For the United States, injuries to DeAndre Yedlin and Fabian Johnson have severely limited the team’s strength in the wide areas. Meanwhile, Mexico must do without Marco Fabian, Jesus Corona, Giovani dos Santos, Hirving Lozano and Javier Aquino — as well as the continued absence of Paul Aguilar.

But their squad for upcoming qualifiers against Costa Rica and Trinidad and Tobago in the Hex demonstrates their embarrassment of riches when compared to the rest of the region.

There are still quite a few players that are being snubbed from national team duty for Mexico. The squad is highlighted by some of the usual suspects (Chicharito, Carlos Vela, Andres Guardado, Miguel Layun), but the likes of 20-year-old Orbelin Pineda and 22-year-old Jesus Gallardo are exceptional talents that could be mainstays for El Tri for years to come.

Mexico host Costa Rica at the Estadio Azteca on March 24. A victory would see them leapfrog the Ticos for top spot in the Hex. Mexico then travel to Port of Spain to play a Trinidad and Tobago side that is desperate for points.